25 Powerful Ways to Boost the Mitochondria in Your Brain

It’s becoming increasingly clear that chronic mitochondria dysfunction is one of the main underlying factors that contributes to poor brain function and mental illness. 

Mitochondria are unique structures within every cell of your body. You have trillions and trillions of them, making up approximately 10% of your total body weight.

Mitochondria are considered the “powerhouses of the cell,” generating most of the energy in your body by converting nutrition into adenosine-5’- triphosphate (ATP). ATP is your body’s main source of cellular fuel. You are constantly using it, and your brain needs enough of it to work properly (106-107). 

Your mitochondria are critically important and need to be supported to overcome depression and anxiety, and reach optimal brain and mental health.

Mitochondria are especially abundant in your brain cells and involved in many important biological processes in the brain, including the regulation of free radicals and neurotransmitters.

In fact, monoamine oxidase (MAO), the enzyme responsible for the metabolism of monoamine neurotransmitters, is localized within the outer mitochondrial membrane (91-93). 

So not surprisingly, numerous studies show that there is a correlation between impaired mitochondrial function in the brain and many psychiatric and neurodegenerative diseases, including:

• Bipolar disorder

• Major depressive disorder

• Multiple sclerosis

• Parkinson’s disease

• Alzheimer's disease

• Chronic fatigue syndrome

• Schizophrenia

• Psychosis

• Panic disorder

• Social anxiety

• Generalized anxiety and other stress-related diseases (82-90, 94-100, 102-104).

In fact, some researchers are convinced that mitochondrial dysfunction is involved in almost every chronic disease (108-110). 

Mitochondria dysfunction decreases ATP energy production and increases oxidative stress, which are commonly found in the brains of people suffering from brain and mental health disorders.

Cognitive symptoms of mitochondrial dysfunction can also include impairments in attention, executive function and memory (105).

Unfortunately, a number of psychiatric drugs damage the mitochondria and worsen the dysfunction.

But luckily, there are ways to halt and reverse mitochondrial decay.

Below are a number of strategies I’ve used over the years to support my mitochondria.

Supplements and lifestyle changes can improve mitochondrial health by increasing the availability of proteins needed for ATP production.

They also act as antioxidants, assisting the mitochondria in reducing oxidative stress.

Some of the following lifestyle changes and supplements can also increase the number of mitochondria present within the cell.

And you can start using them today to regain optimal brain and mental health.

1. Eat Nutrient-Dense, Whole Foods

Eating lots of fresh, nutrient-dense whole foods is an impactful action you can take to power your mitochondria. 

In order to thrive, your mitochondria need phytonutrients, antioxidants, healthy fats and proteins.

Dr. Terry Wahls, MD, clinical professor of medicine at the University of Iowa, is a leading expert on the relationship between nutrition and mitochondrial health.

She was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) more than a decade ago but reversed the neurodegenerative brain disease by repairing her mitochondria with an intensive nutritional strategy.

She outlines how she recovered her health in her book The Wahls Protocol. 

Research on her protocol shows that patients witness a “significant improvement in fatigue” (67). 

She recommends eating six to nine cups of vegetables and fruits every day, including green veggies (kale, spinach), brightly colored vegetables (beets, carrots, peppers), and sulfur-rich veggies (broccoli, cauliflower).

My Free Grocery Shopping Guide for Optimal Brain Health contains a bunch of foods that you should be eating on a regular basis for optimal mitochondrial health. 

Dr. Wahls also has a fascinating TED talk that you can watch if you're interested in learning more. 

2. Limit Certain Foods and Ingredients

Eating poor-quality foods can also wear down your mitochondria. 

Your mitochondria were not designed to deal with our current food environment and lifestyle habits. 

That’s why you should limit refined sugars, processed flours, industrial oils and trans fats. They can damage your mitochondria and prevent them from properly producing energy.

Dr. Wahls also recommends you avoid all gluten, dairy and soy products for optimal mitochondrial health.

I used to strictly avoid all of these foods and I felt better when I did, but no longer need to since restoring my health.

3. Eat More Essential Fats

Healthy fats, including omega-3 fatty acids, help build and strengthen the membranes of your mitochondria. They’ve also been shown to improve mitochondrial function in the brain (5-7). 

That’s why Dr. Wahls recommends eating organic grass-fed beef or wild-caught fish, such as salmon, every day.

Avocados, nuts, seeds, coconut and olive oil are also rich in healthy fats. 

Supplementing with krill oil is another excellent option.

4. Exercise

Not surprisingly, exercise strengthens your mitochondria by increasing oxygen and blood flow and activating biochemical pathways that produce new mitochondria (8). 

Runners have more high-functioning mitochondria than non-runners, and strength training and high-intensity interval training also increase the number of mitochondria and improve the efficiency of your existing mitochondria (9, 10).

Exercise can also increase brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF).

5. Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT)

Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) is a treatment that uses low-level (low-power) lasers or light-emitting diodes (LEDs) to stimulate brain cells, helping them heal and function better. 

There is strong evidence to suggest that LLLT supports the mitochondria. 

Research shows that LLLT reduces oxidative stress and increases the production of ATP energy in mitochondria (39, 40). 

These mitochondrial benefits have also been seen directly within the brain.

Studies show that LLLT increases mitochondrial activity within brain cells, and this leads to beneficial effects in behaviour (41). 

LLLT treatment has also been shown to increase the number of mitochondria, and mitochondrial oxygen usage, within the brain (42, 43).

I have used these two LLLT devices myself at home to support my mitochondria and boost my brain function:

• Optimal 1000 Brain Photobiomodulation Therapy Light (Combo Red/NIR) - This is a powerful device that shines 660 nm of red light and 850 nm of infrared light. You can shine it on your forehead for 5 minutes every day. You can also shine it on other parts of your head and on your entire body, including your thyroid, thymus gland and gut.

• Vielight Neuro Duo – This is a transcranial-intranasal headset with 810 nm of near infrared light. It penetrates deeper into brain tissue and is absorbed better by the central nervous system. If you decide to get this one, you can use the coupon code JORDANFALLIS for a 10% discount. Some research has shown a 20-fold higher efficiency of light delivery to the deep brain through the nose instead of transcranial application (125).

You can learn more about LLLT in this post. 

You should also limit your exposure to artificial blue light, as excessive blue light exposure can also wear down your mitochondria. You can learn more about the risks of too much blue light in this post. 

6. Resveratrol

Resveratrol is a beneficial antioxidant compound found in grapes and red wine. 

Not only does it increase BDNF levels, but it also activates the SIRT1 gene. This gene triggers a number of positive biochemical reactions that protect and improve the functioning of your mitochondria. Caloric restriction and intermittent fasting also trigger the SIRT1 gene (11-13).

In 2006, Harvard researchers found that resveratrol increases lifespan by protecting the mitochondria (14).

Resveratrol is included in the Optimal Energy supplement.

7. Caloric Restriction and Intermittent Fasting

Restricting your calories is one the best actions you can take to improve mitochondrial function.

Studies show that eating less food reduces the demand and damage on your mitochondria. 

But reducing calories is tough to do and absolutely no fun. 

So you can do intermittent fasting instead. 

Fasting activates your mitochondria and triggers autophagy, which is an intracellular process that essentially allows your mitochondria to clean themselves by removing unwanted and damaged debris, proteins and reactive oxygen species (1, 2, 4).

This process has been shown to reduce the risk of cancer, Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease (3). 

8. Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide (NADH)

NADH is a naturally-occurring compound found in the cells of all living organisms.

It plays a key role in the production of energy within the cell and is highly concentrated within your mitochondria (45). 

Depletion of NADH has been linked to a number of diseases, including depression, chronic fatigue syndrome, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.

But stabilized oral NADH has been shown to improve all of these conditions (46, 47, 48). 

Although I don’t take it anymore, I’ve witnessed a beneficial effect from supplementing with NADH.

LLLT is also known to increase NADH in your mitochondria. 

Check out this article for other ways to increase NAD.

9. Ketogenic Dieting

A ketogenic diet is a very low-carb diet. 

When you restrict carbohydrate-rich foods, your body enters ketosis.

Ketosis is a metabolic state in which your body and brain run on fatty acids and “ketones” instead of glucose (36).

Ketones are an alternative source of energy for your brain cells and they support your mitochondria. 

When your mitochondria are dysfunctional, following a ketogenic diet can be an effective strategy to fuel the mitochondria. 

“When mitochondria are fueled by ketones instead of glucose, their ability to produce ATP is enhanced and free-radical byproducts are reduced.”

— Dr. Jong Rho, MD, Professor of Pediatrics and Clinical Neurology at the Alberta Children’s Hospital

Ketogenic diets may help treat many different brain and mental health diseases including Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, epilepsy and autism. 

Exogenous ketones can also help you get into ketosis and experience the mitochondrial-boosting effects of ketones very quickly.

10. B Vitamins

B vitamins play an essential role in maintaining mitochondrial function.

In fact, your mitochondria will be compromised if you have a deficiency of any B vitamin (37). 

Deficiency is more likely if you take certain medications. 

Vitamin B1, B2, B3, B5, B6 and B12 are all included in the Optimal Energy supplement for this reason.

11. Ribose

Ribose is a five carbon sugar created naturally by your body.

Even though it’s a sugar, research suggests it does not raise blood sugar levels.

Instead, your body stores it in the mitochondria (49, 50). 

Ribose is used by the mitochondria to produce ATP and if you don’t have enough, you’ll experience low energy (51). 

Chronic stress can deplete ribose, and certain conditions have been linked to chronic ribose deficiency, including depression and chronic fatigue syndrome.

People can supplement with ribose if they struggle with these disorders because it can help reduce mental and physical lethargy (52, 53).

Ribose is also included in Optimal Energy.

12. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is an antioxidant molecule found in every cell of your body.

It’s particularly concentrated in the mitochondria, playing a key role in the production of energy.

It also protects the mitochondria from oxidative damage. 

Without CoQ10, your body cannot synthesize ATP because CoQ10 is an essential component of the mitochondrial electron transport chain.

Many doctors are unaware that CoQ10 is an excellent treatment for many brain health issues, including depression, chronic fatigue syndrome, and Alzheimer’s disease. 

Low levels of CoQ10 can cause brain fog, mental fatigue, difficulty concentrating, memory lapses, depression and irritability (68-70). 

Researchers have found that CoQ10 levels are significantly lower in the depressed patients (71). 

Unfortunately, chronic oxidative stress and medications can further deplete CoQ10. 

But supplementing with CoQ10 can increase your mitochondrial energy production and reduce symptoms of depression and chronic fatigue (71). 

Food sources with high natural concentrations of CoQ10 include organic red palm oil and grass-fed beef heart (72, 73). 

But supplementing with it will give you a more significant mitochondrial boost.

13. Pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ)

Pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ) is a vitamin-like enzyme and potent antioxidant found in plant foods.

It has a wide range of brain health and mitochondrial benefits.

It’s been shown to preserve and enhance memory, attention, and cognition by protecting the mitochondria from oxidative damage.

It also promotes the growth of new mitochondria in the brain (56-59). 

Since it helps grow new mitochondria, it may help you if you suffer from depression, since fewer mitochondria have been found in people with depression (63). 

Reactive nitrogen species (RNS) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) cause severe stress on brain cells and mitochondria.

PQQ has also been shown to suppress RNS and ROS (60-62). 

Researchers have also found that supplemental PQQ can be neuroprotective by increasing mitochondrial activity levels (64-66). 

I personally never really noticed much of anything from PQQ. So I don’t take it anymore and didn’t include it in Optimal Energy.

14. Magnesium

Magnesium is a vital mineral within your body.

Mitochondria are considered magnesium “storage units” because they hold onto a lot of your body’s magnesium. 

Magnesium also protects the mitochondria and plays a role in the production and transfer of ATP within the mitochondria.

And research shows that if you have a deficiency in magnesium, your brain cells will have fewer mitochondria, and they will be less healthy (54, 55). 

This is just another reason to supplement with magnesium every day.

15. Carnitine and Alpha Lipoic Acid

Carnitine is an amino acid that improves mitochondrial activity and plays an important role in energy production.

It’s known to transport fatty acids directly into the mitochondria of your brain cells. 

It’s also required to produce ATP and deficiencies are associated with reduced mitochondrial function in the brain (74). 

Supplementing with carnitine makes it easier for fatty acids to cross your blood-brain barrier and nourish the mitochondria within your brain. This can improve your mood, memory and energy levels.

Several studies show that carnitine eases depressive symptoms and improves quality of life in patients with chronic depression (75-78). 

And individuals with autism often have reduced levels of carnitine within their brain (79). 

Carnitine is synergistic with Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA), meaning that when you take them together, they are more effective at supporting the mitochondria in your brain.

ALA is a mitochondrial enzyme and antioxidant. It is fat soluble and can easily cross your blood-brain barrier.

It’s been shown to improve cognition by reducing oxidative stress in the brain.

It also protects existing mitochondria and creates new mitochondria in the brain (80, 101).

Both ALA and carnitine are included together in Optimal Energy.

16. Thiamine

Thiamine, also known as Vitamin B1, is an essential water-soluble nutrient that cannot be made by the body.

It’s used in nearly every cell in the body and it’s especially important for supporting energy levels and mitochondrial functioning in the brain.

It’s also required by nerve cells and other supporting cells in the nervous system.

Research shows that thiamine deficiency induces oxidative stress, resulting in mitochondrial abnormalities in the brain (21-22).

Healthy food sources of thiamine include green peas, beef liver, asparagus, pecans, spinach, sunflower seeds, macadamia nuts, oranges, cantaloupe and eggs. 

These foods are included in my Free Grocery Shopping Guide for Optimal Mental Health.

Thiamine is also included in Optimal Energy.

17. Creatine

Creatine is a molecule produced in the body and found in foods, particularly meat, eggs, and fish.  

Creatine is also available as a supplement.

Athletes, bodybuilders, wrestlers, sprinters often take extra creatine to gain more muscle mass.

It’s an incredibly well-researched supplement and safe to take regularly. 

Supplementing with creatine can also support the brain.

It's been shown to have neuroprotective effects. It rapidly produces energy to support brain cell function.

Researchers have also found that creatine supplementation improves function of mitochondria in the brain (25).

18. Curcumin

Curcumin is the most heavily researched compound within turmeric, the spice that gives curry its yellow colour.

Curcumin protects mitochondria and prevents mitochondrial dysfunction in the brain (111-113).

Curcumin can be found in both Optimal Energy and Optimal Antiox.

19. Malic Acid

Malic acid, also known as malate, is an intermediate of the Krebs cycle.

It’s a key step in the pathway of energy production by the mitochondria.

And it has a number of health benefits because it improves mitochondrial function.

Malate supplementation has been shown to increase the availability of NAD+, which is necessary for producing ATP.

Malate also increases NADPH levels, which is a fundamental antioxidant in the body that promotes mitochondrial function (114).

That’s why I’ve included malic acid in the Optimal Energy supplement.

20. Niacinamide

Niacinamide, also known as nicotinamide, is a vitamin found in foods.

It’s also often taken as a supplement.

Niacinamide is the precursor to NAD+ and therefore supplementation can increase levels of this molecule and improve mitochondrial function.

Researchers have found that niacinamide prevents energy depletion in the brain (115).

It also improves the mitochondrial quality of brain cells by inducing autophagy and causing dysfunctional mitochondria to fragment (116).

21. N-Acetyl-Cysteine

N-Acetyl-Cysteine (NAC) is a modified form of the amino acid cysteine.

It’s also the precursor to glutathione, your body’s master antioxidant.

Nowadays, we’re exposed to so many environmental toxins, which cause oxidative stress in the body and deplete our reserves of cysteine and glutathione.  

But supplementing with NAC can increase and normalize your cysteine and glutathione levels. 

This can combat and reduce oxidative stress in your brain, which can then help treat several mental illnesses.

NAC can also help support your mitochondria.

In one study, NAC treatment for 9 weeks reduced oxidative damage to the mitochondria (117).

And in multiple cell studies, NAC improved mitochondrial function by reducing oxidative stress (118-119).

22. Succinic acid

Succinic acid, also known as succinate, is an intermediate molecule of the Krebs cycle that plays a significant role in the electron transport chain.

It can be purchased as a supplement to boost energy production by the mitochondria.

Succinic acid has been shown to prevent structural and functional damage to the mitochondria caused by oxidative stress (120).

And in brain cells that have mitochondrial dysfunction, succinic acid supplementation improved mitochondrial functioning by increasing glucose and oxygen usage. This led to increased levels of ATP energy (121).

For this reason, succinic acid is in the Optimal Energy supplement.

23. EGCG

Epigallocatechin-3-Gallate (EGCG) is the main polyphenol found in green tea.

It’s been shown to have anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects.

EGCG accumulates within the mitochondria and activates a number of proteins related to mitochondrial function (122-124).

I personally drink organic green tea regularly, usually in place of coffee on days when I’m relaxing.

However, it’s important to keep in mind that the body isn't very good at absorbing EGCG and distributing it to the brain and other tissues.

That's why researchers often use large dosages of concentrated EGCG in their studies instead of green tea.

But unfortunately, large dosages of concentrated EGCG have been shown to cause liver toxicity.

So you could supplement with large dosages of concentrated EGCG and see some benefits.

But you'd be damaging your liver at the same time.

Not good.

So what should you do? How do you absorb EGCG and get the amazing benefits of it without damaging your liver?

You take it with Vitamin C.

Research shows that you can enhance the absorption and availability of EGCG by taking it with Vitamin C (9).

That's why the Optimal Antiox supplement includes a small and safe amount of EGCG, plus 500 mg of Vitamin C.

This significantly enhances the absorption of EGCG, and ensures you get all the brain and mental health benefits of EGCG (without the harm).

24. Citicoline

Citicoline (also known as CDP-Choline) is one of the most bioavailable forms of choline, an essential B vitamin.

You need to get choline from food, but most people do not get enough because very few foods in the Western diet contain high levels of it.

That’s why supplementation is often necessary for optimal brain health.

Citicoline is a supplemental form of choline that has anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects.

Research shows that citicoline slows down the aging of mitochondria in the brain (125).

It also significantly enhances mitochondrial energy production and increases ATP levels in the frontal lobe of the brain (125).

Citicoline significantly improves my focus and mental energy.

You can also find some choline in foods such as beef liver and egg yolks, but the effects of Citicoline are much more noticeable and immediate because it quickly passes the blood-brain barrier and supports your brain.  

Make sure you read this article to learn more about the remarkable benefits of Citicoline.

25. Ginkgo Biloba

Ginkgo Biloba is a plant that has been used in China for thousands of years to treat a number of health problems.

It’s one of the top-selling natural supplements in the world, and it’s even a prescription herb in Germany.

Ginkgo Biloba is most commonly used to improve brain health because it increases brain blood flow and improves memory, mood, mental energy, and attention in both healthy and unhealthy individuals.

It even reduces the risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease!

Researchers have discovered that one of the ways it supports brain function is by improving mitochondrial function and increasing the production of ATP in brain cells (126-127).

It even restores ATP levels after mitochondrial damage (128).

Ginkgo Biloba is included in the Optimal Brain supplement.

Conclusion

Paying attention to your mitochondria is crucial for optimal brain and mental health.

Luckily there are a number of dietary and lifestyle habits that can protect and support mitochondrial function.

The following steps will ensure your body and brain have healthier and more abundant mitochondria: 

• Take Optimal Energy. It’s an all-in-one mitochondrial supplement. It includes the 17 best natural compounds proven to boost mitochondrial functioning in the brain.

• Eat nutrient-dense, whole foods, including plenty of fruits and vegetables. Download my free food guide for a shopping list of the best foods to eat.

• Limit refined sugars, processed flours, industrial oils, trans fats, gluten and processed dairy.

• Eat organic grass-fed beef and wild-caught fish, or supplement with krill oil.

• Exercise

• Try LLLT

• Restrict calories and/or fast intermittently

• Follow a cyclic ketogenic diet and/or take exogenous ketones

If you follow these strategies, there’s no doubt that you can improve your mitochondrial health and naturally restore your mood and energy levels.

Please share this post with one of your friends or family members who you think might benefit from protecting and supporting their mitochondria, because it really is an underappreciated and unknown aspect of optimal brain and mental health. 

Enjoy This Article? You Might Also Like My FREE Food Guide for Optimal Brain Health!

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FREE GUIDE

Live Optimally,

Jordan Fallis

Connect with me

References:

(1) http://nutritionandmetabolism.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1743-7075-10-63

(2) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3630798/

(3) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3630798/

(4) http://www.hindawi.com/journals/jar/2011/807108/

(5) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24396061

(6) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24972878

(7) https://lipidworld.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1476-511X-11-142

(8) http://www.nutritionandmetabolism.com/content/10/1/63

(9) https://www.masscfids.org/resource-library/13-basic-information/302-mitochondrial-dysfunction-post-exertional-malaise-and-cfsme

(10) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3883043/

(11) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15749705

(12) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2492662/

(13) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24449278

(14) http://www.cell.com/cell/abstract/S0092-8674(06)01428-0?_returnURL=http%3A%2F%2Flinkinghub.elsevier.com%2Fretrieve%2Fpii%2FS0092867406014280%3Fshowall%3Dtrue

(15) http://www.nrjournal.com/article/S0271-5317(03)00234-3/abstract

(16) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20840838

(17) http://www.nature.com/tp/journal/v5/n1/full/tp2014131a.html

(18) http://www.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S1516-44462011000400003

(19) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22776356

(20) http://www.fasebj.org/content/19/12/1657.abstract

(21) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/6493495

(22) http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s13105-013-0242-y

(23) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16102804

(24) http://www.healio.com/endocrinology/practice-management/news/online/%7B4b5c8b84-70c2-4928-a7b0-88f24f50d609%7D/vitamin-d-supplementation-enhanced-mitochondrial-function-lessened-fatigue

(25) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12657421

(26) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21423579

(27) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3100547/

(28) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15183071

(29) http://www.fasebj.org/content/20/2/269.abstract

(30) https://biolres.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/0717-6287-47-74

(31) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26278015

(32) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19211721

(33) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3670924/

(34) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26365487

(35) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21061051

(36) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17332207

(37) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16765926

(38) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2476986/

(39) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10365442/

(40) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/6479342/

(41) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17693028/

(42) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3945284/?report=classic

(43) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22850314

(44) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23675984

(45) http://www.nadhenergy.eu/what-does-nadh-do.html

(46) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10071523

(47) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4346380/

(48) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15134388

(49) http://lifewave.com/pdf/ThetaNutrition/%283%29Enhancing-Mitochondrial-Function-With-D-Ribose.pdf

(50) http://thealbanyjournal.com/2012/01/energize-yourself-with-d-ribose/

(51) http://lifewave.com/pdf/ThetaNutrition/%283%29Enhancing-Mitochondrial-Function-With-D-Ribose.pdf

(52) http://lifewave.com/pdf/ThetaNutrition/%283%29Enhancing-Mitochondrial-Function-With-D-Ribose.pdf

(53) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17109576

(54) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2790427/

(55) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1172515/

(56) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19861415

(57) http://www.humanclinicals.org/biopqq/

(58) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2212345/

(59) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18591768

(60) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20178828

(61) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12383230

(62) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19026989

(63) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21159390

(64) http://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0021779

(65) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19699263

(66) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16709402

(67) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4011484/

(68) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23313551

(69) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25386668

(70) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21799249

(71) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20010493

(72) http://coconutresearchcenter.org/hwnl_4-2.htm

(73) http://www.westonaprice.org/modern-diseases/coenzyme-q10-for-healthy-hearts/

(74) http://lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/dietary-factors/L-carnitine

(75) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12047496

(76) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16316746

(77) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21443422

(78) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17543140

(79) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4382850/

(80) http://www.lifeextension.com/magazine/2011/8/Lipoic-Acid-Reverses-Mitochondrial-Decay/Page-01

(81) http://www.nutritionandmetabolism.com/content/10/1/63

(82) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16815381

(83) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18979198

(84) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19664343

(85) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18428021

(86) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11579422

(87) http://www.ncbihttp://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23650447nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23650447

(88) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16027739

(89) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18177933

(90) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18235426

(91) http://psych.lf1.cuni.cz/zf/publikace/b005.pdf

(92) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21414088

(93)https://www.researchgate.net/publication/228683547_Common_aspects_of_neuroplasticity_mood_disorders_and_mitochondrial_functions

(94) http://www.pnas.org/content/112/50/15486.full.pdf

(95) http://www.nature.com/tp/journal/v4/n6/full/tp201444a.html

(96) http://bmcmedicine.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12916-015-0310-y

(97) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3640606/

(98)https://www.researchgate.net/publication/221747050_Corticosterone_reduces_brain_mitochondrial_function_and_expression_of_mitofusin_BDNF_in_depression-like_rodents_regardless_of_exercise_preconditioning

(99)http://hypotyreos.info/attachments/079_Mitokondriell%20dysfunktion%20i%20depressiva%20sjukdomar.pdf

(100) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.go v/pmc/articles/PMC4382850/

(101) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17605107

(102) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24189435

(103) http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0925443909002427

(104) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20114042

(105) http://archpsyc.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=210694

(106) https://www.masscfids.org/resource-library/13-basic-information/302-mitochondrial-dysfunction-post-exertional-malaise-and-cfsme

(107) http://www.umdf.org/site/c.8qKOJ0MvF7LUG/b.7934627/k.3711/What_is_Mitochondrial_Disease.htm

(108) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17239370

(109) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4566449/

(110) https://riordanclinic.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/mitochondria-and-cancer-1.pdf

(111) https://accelerating.org/articles/curcumin.html

(112) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23422877

(113) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26254982

(114) http://www.plosone.org/article/info%3Adoi%2F10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0058345

(115) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10566977

(116) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19473119

(117) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4312826/

(118) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17917164

(119) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4726696/

(120) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/3032929

(121) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5430749/

(122) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26731017

(123) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3670924/

(124) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16797120

(125) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4824764/

(126) https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/international-psychogeriatrics/article/mitochondrial-effects-of-ginkgo-biloba-extract/A5F444770B1B281798572D608A74DC20

(127) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17977008

(128) https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphar.2015.00206/full

Terms and Conditions

Privacy Policy

Affiliate Disclosure

Disclaimer

The 22 Best Natural Treatments and Remedies for OCD

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a chronic mental disorder characterized by obsessions (repetitive thoughts) and compulsions (repetitive actions).

It affects about 3 per cent of adults and 1 per cent of children (79).

It’s clear that both genetic and environmental factors contribute to the development of OCD.

Research shows that OCD is often inherited and passed down within families (89).

But experiencing abuse or trauma as a child also increases the risk of developing the disorder (86-88).

Both children and adults with OCD have high levels of cortisol (a stress hormone) in their blood, and increased glutamate (an excitatory neurotransmitter) in their brain (80-83).

They also have lower levels of GABA and serotonin, which are relaxing neurotransmitters in the brain (84-85).

Antidepressant medication is the standard treatment for OCD.

But many people prefer to manage and treat their OCD without having to rely on drugs.

Researchers have studied many different natural treatments for OCD, and this article explores the most promising ones.

The first section of this article explores the best nutrients, herbs and supplements to naturally treat OCD.

The second section of the article explores the best lifestyle habits, therapies and practices to combat and overcome OCD.

It is important to note that people with OCD often have to try more than one therapy to find one that works well for them.

You shouldn't suddenly change or discontinue your current OCD treatment without consulting with your doctor first.

But read on to learn about some of the best natural remedies and therapies that can help reduce your symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder.

The Best Nutrients, Herbs and Supplements for Naturally Treating OCD

1. N-Acetyl Cysteine

N-Acetyl-Cysteine (NAC) is a modified form of the amino acid cysteine.  

It’s also the precursor to glutathione, your body’s master antioxidant.  

Nowadays, we’re exposed to so many environmental toxins, which cause oxidative stress in the body and deplete our reserves of cysteine and glutathione.  

But supplementing with NAC can increase and normalize your cysteine and glutathione levels.  

This can combat and reduce oxidative stress in your brain, which can then help treat several mental illnesses, including OCD. 

More than one study has found that NAC can significantly improve OCD symptoms in more than half of OCD patients (44, 46).

And a systematic review determined that NAC is effective at reducing the severity of OCD symptoms with minimal side effects (45).

NAC is included in Optimal Antiox. 

Be sure to read this article all about the benefits of NAC.

2. Inositol

Inositol is a naturally-occurring molecule found in nearly all plants and animals. It plays a key role in various biological processes.  

The brain has the highest concentration of inositol, where it plays an important role making and affecting neurotransmitters, including serotonin (1).  

Inositol can be found in many foods, particularly fruit, especially cantaloupe and oranges (2).  These foods are included in my Free Grocery Shopping Guide for Optimal Brain and Mental Health.

It used to be considered a B Vitamin (Vitamin B8). But it currently is no longer considered an essential nutrient because your body can produce inositol from glucose (3). 

However, supplementation with inositol can still help reduce symptoms of OCD.  

In one study, patients with OCD took 18 grams of inositol or placebo daily for six weeks.  

At the end of the six weeks, the patients who took inositol had significantly lower scores on the Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale.  

The researchers concluded that inositol can effectively treat obsessive-compulsive disorder (4-5). 

It’s important to point out that the research suggests that you need to take high doses (12 to 18 grams daily) if you want to experience the anxiety-reducing benefits of inositol. 

I took high doses of inositol when weening off psychiatric medication. 

I personally noticed a reduction in my obsessive-compulsive tendencies while supplementing with it. 

Check out my full post about inositol to learn more about the benefits. 

3. Zinc

Zinc is an essential mineral for mental health, especially if you have chronic anxiety.  

Unfortunately, many people are deficient in zinc. In fact, it’s estimated that 2 billion people in the world are deficient. And this often includes people with OCD. 

Researchers have found that patients with OCD tend to have much lower levels of zinc that individuals without OCD (49).  

And one study showed that zinc supplementation helped reduce obsessions and compulsions without side effects (50).  

I created and take the Optimal Zinc supplement to make sure my zinc levels are optimal. I created it because I want to give my clients and readers the very best zinc supplement so that they can experience superior results. I have found that many zinc supplements on the market fall short. Optimal Zinc includes several other nutrients (co-factors) that increase the absorption of zinc. 

Besides supplementing, you should also eat plenty of healthy, whole foods that contain zinc.  

Some of the best foods to optimize your zinc levels include:  

• Oysters  

• Grass-fed beef

• Pumpkin seeds

• Cashews

• Mushrooms  

• Spinach  

These foods are included in my Free Grocery Shopping Guide for Optimal Brain and Mental Health.  

Check out my previous post all about zinc and anxiety if you want to learn more about how zinc impacts anxiety levels and can contribute to OCD. 

Zinc can also stimulate your vagus nerve, which reduces anxiety. 

4. Glycine

Glycine is an amino acid commonly found in protein-rich foods such as meat, fish, collagen and gelatin. These foods are included in my Free Grocery Shopping Guide for Optimal Brain and Mental Health.

Glycine is one of three amino acids that your body uses to make glutathione, the master antioxidant in your body.  

Supplementing with 60 grams of glycine daily has been shown to reduce OCD symptoms (70).  

I personally take collagen protein powder to make sure I get enough glycine. Or you can supplement with pure glycine powder.

Another option is to take sarcosine.  

Sarcosine is a natural supplement that inhibits the uptake of glycine. By doing this, it increases the availability of glycine in the brain.  

Researchers have found that sarcosine can lead to quick, profound and sustained improvements in OCD symptoms (71).  

I’ve tried sarcosine and I find that it’s much more powerful and effective at improving mental health symptoms than taking glycine or collagen powder. It's very good at reducing anxiety.  

5. Curcumin

Curcumin is the most heavily researched compound within turmeric, the spice that gives curry its yellow colour.  

It’s one of my favourite natural compounds for optimal health.  

Research shows that curcumin can significantly improve obsessive-compulsive symptoms by increasing serotonin (53).  

Curcumin is a good option if you struggle with chronic inflammation, depression and OCD. 

In my experience, it doesn’t help as much if you only have anxiety. 

Curcumin is included in the Optimal Energy and Optimal Antiox supplements. 

Since curcumin is a fat soluble, take it with a fatty meal. 

6. Caffeine

Caffeine is a surprising natural remedy for OCD. 

It usually increases anxiety and stress in most people. 

But research shows that it can improve OCD symptoms.  

Two clinical trials found that caffeine significantly reduces the severity of OCD symptoms in people with treatment-resistant OCD (47-48).  

I recently cut out coffee completely but I used to drink this coffee.  

You can also just take pure caffeine tablets if you want. I sometimes take tablets before a workout. 

Coffee and caffeine can disrupt sleep though, so make sure you don’t drink it in the evening close to bed. Some people like me are really sensitive and have to stop drinking it very early in the day so that it doesn’t disrupt their sleep. 

It's also a good idea to try to consume the whole coffee fruit, instead of just coffee or pure caffeine. 

Traditionally, the coffee bean is extracted from the coffee fruit for roasting. And the surrounding fruit is discarded.  

But that’s a problem because the coffee fruit contains several healthy compounds not found in coffee beans themselves.  

And researchers have found that consuming whole coffee fruit concentrate can significantly enhance cognitive functioning.  

That’s why I included coffee fruit in the Optimal Brain supplement. 

7. Magnesium

Magnesium is the fourth most abundant mineral in the human body, and it’s absolutely essential for optimal mental health.  

It’s absolutely essential for the proper functioning of your nervous system and optimal neurotransmitter activity.  

Unfortunately, many people don’t get enough of it, even if they eat a healthy diet. 

Research shows that low magnesium levels contribute and worsen many neuropsychiatric problems, including OCD.  

Patients with OCD have significantly lower levels of magnesium in their blood than people without OCD (54).  

So if you have OCD, it’s clearly important to make sure you’re getting enough magnesium so that you don’t have a deficiency. 

Since most people are deficient, magnesium is one of the three supplements that I think everyone should be taking every day. That’s why it’s included in my Optimal Calm supplement.

Epsom salt baths are another great way to increase your body’s intake of magnesium.  

You should also make sure you’re eating enough magnesium-rich foods on a regular basis, including:  

• Spinach  

• Chard  

• Pumpkin seeds

• Almonds

• Avocado  

• Dark chocolate

• Bananas  

These foods are included in my Free Grocery Shopping Guide for Optimal Mental Health. 

8. Milk Thistle

Milk thistle is a herb commonly used to improve liver health and protect the liver from alcohol and other drugs. 

Silymarin, one of the flavonoids in milk thistle, has been shown to increase serotonin levels in the brains of animals (72).  

And one human study found that milk thistle works just as well as a popular SSRI antidepressant at reducing OCD symptoms (73).  

9. Probiotics

As you probably already know, the health of your gut (and the bacteria within it) significantly influence your brain and mental health.  

So not surprisingly, probiotics have been shown to be another possible natural remedy for OCD. 

Studies also show that the neurotransmitter serotonin is produced in the gut.  

By taking a probiotic supplement, you can enhance the diversity of the bacteria in your gut, create a better environment for the synthesis of serotonin, and therefore increase serotonin levels and activity in your brain (18). 

Probiotics have also been shown to stimulate the vagus nerve and reduce inflammation, which tends to be elevated in people with OCD. 

A systematic review of 38 studies concluded the probiotics can improve psychiatric disorder-related behaviors, including anxiety and OCD (55).  

The researchers found that the following probiotics can help with OCD: 

• Bifidobacterium longum 

• Bifidobacterium breve 

• Lactobacillus rhamnosus 

All three of these probiotics are included in the Optimal Biotics supplement. 

You can also check out this article to learn more about the top 9 psychobiotics that can help reduce your anxiety.  

And this article includes 5 ways to increase your good gut bacteria. 

10. Borage Oil

Borage oil is a natural remedy made from the seeds of the Borago officinalis plant. 

The oil is high in gamma linoleic acid (GLA), which is an essential fatty acid that must be obtained from your diet.  

It’s commonly used to help reduce the inflammation that is linked to many chronic diseases. 

Its anti-inflammatory effects may be why it helps reduce OCD.  

Researchers have found that 500 mg of borage oil per day can reduce obsessive and compulsive and anxiety symptoms (75).  

Animal research also shows that it can have anti-anxiety effects similar to benzodiazepines (74).  

I took borage oil years ago but no longer feel the need to take it.  

11. Iron

Iron is a trace mineral found in every living cell in our bodies.  

It carries oxygen to all parts of your body, and low levels can leave you feeling tired, pale, irritable and foggy.  

But research also shows that iron is an important cofactor in the synthesis of serotonin, and an iron deficiency can increase the risk of developing an anxiety disorder (6). 

Researchers have also found that blood iron levels are significantly lower in patients with mild and moderate OCD (51).  

Despite this, I don’t actually recommend supplementing with iron because some research suggests that too much iron can cause health problems and actually increase anxiety (7).  

It’s definitely a much better idea to test your iron levels and naturally get your iron from food.  

I make sure I get enough simply by taking grass-fed beef liver capsules.  

Beef liver is one of the best sources of iron. But I don’t like the taste of cooked beef liver, so I go with the capsules instead.  

Some other good sources of iron include: 

• Spirulina

• Dark chocolate

• Spinach

• Sardines

• Pistachios

• Raisons

These foods are included in my Free Grocery Shopping Guide for Optimal Brain and Mental Health. 

12. Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha (Withania sominifera) is a popular Indian herb that has been used for more than 3000 years. It’s sometimes called the “Indian Ginseng”.  

It’s known as an “adaptogen”, which is a compound that balances the body and restores normal bodily functioning after chronic stress. 

In one study, 30 people with OCD took ashwagandha for 6 weeks, and it notably and significantly reduced their OCD symptoms (52).  

Animal research also shows that ashwagandha causes anti-anxiety effects, reduces OCD-like behaviour and improves stress tolerance in rats (8-13). 

So it’s a pretty impressive herbal remedy for OCD and anxiety.

But how does it work?  

By increasing serotonin and GABA in the brain, and lowering cortisol levels by 25 per cent (14-17).  

Ashwagandha is one of the main herbs I took to help myself get off psychiatric medications. 

It’s included in the Optimal Calm supplement.

13. Saffron

Saffron is a spice derived from the Crocus sativus plant.  

It has a number of health benefits due to the medicinal compounds within it.  

Saffron is one of the best supplements for reducing depression, anxiety and stress. 

Safranal and Crocetin, two of the compounds within saffron, have been shown to stimulate GABA receptors and increase serotonin levels in the brain (19-20). 

As a result, researchers have determined that saffron can reduce compulsive behavior (56).  

14. Valerian

Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) is a natural herb, and the root of the herb has traditionally been used to treat insomnia.  

But it also can reduce symptoms of OCD. 

In one study, supplementing with 750 mg of valerian for eight weeks reduced symptoms by 25% in people diagnosed with OCD (57).  

And in an animal study, valerian demonstrated anti-obsessive and anti-compulsive effects and researchers determined it's a good candidate for treating obsessive-compulsive disorder (21). 

Scientists have collected a massive amount of research demonstrating that the compounds in valerian naturally reduce symptoms of OCD by:  

• Partially activating serotonin receptors 

• Maintaining serotonin levels  

• Reducing stress hormone levels 

• Binding to GABA receptors in the amygdala, a brain region associated with fear and anxiety

• Increasing GABA levels 

• Inhibiting the breakdown of GABA in the brain (22-43). 

As a result of this, it creates a calming effect similar to anti-anxiety drugs like Xanax and Valium.  

This is why valerian is often called “Nature’s Valium”.  

Valerian is one of the first herbal remedies I took years ago to manage my anxiety at night and improve my sleep.  

It’s included in this anti-anxiety supplement.  

Valerian supplements include the roots and stems of the plant.  

But you can also take it as a tea or tincture if you want. 

The Best Lifestyle Habits, Therapies and Practices for Naturally Treating OCD

15. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is one of the first-line treatments for OCD. 

It involves challenging and changing unhelpful cognitive distortions and behaviors, improving emotional regulation, and developing personal coping strategies. 

A meta-analysis of high-quality studies concluded that CBT is an effective method for treating OCD and reducing OCD symptoms (77-78).  

I personally never found CBT helpful for my mental health issues but other people do. 

It’s definitely worth trying if you OCD though. 

16. Neurofeedback

Neurofeedback is a type of biofeedback that shows you your brain activity in real-time and teaches you how to self-regulate it.  

Sensors are placed on your scalp to measure your brain’s activity, and the measurements are displayed using video or sound. 

Personally, neurofeedback was one of the most impactful actions I took to overcome severe anxiety. 

It works at a deep subconscious level, breaking the cycle of chronic anxiety.  

It allows shifts you into a natural, healthier state of mind.  

And research shows that it works for people with OCD. 

One study showed that it can normalize brain activity in people with OCD (58). 

If you want to try neurofeedback, it’s best to work with a qualified neurofeedback practitioner.  

If you’re interested in neurofeedback, I recommend becoming a client and working with us to determine the best type of neurofeedback for you and your condition. I have found that some types of neurofeedback are completely ineffective and may even be harmful. So it’s very important to do the right type of neurofeedback that actually works.

I also sometimes recommend the Muse headband. It’s a decent substitute to real neurofeedback and gives you real-time feedback in your brainwaves while you meditate.

I previously wrote about the Muse headband here, and you can get it through the Muse website. But keep in mind that it’s definitely not as good as clinical neurofeedback.

Please note: If you’re interested in trying neurofeedback, I recommend becoming a client and working with us to determine the best type of neurofeedback for you and your condition. I have found that some types of neurofeedback are completely ineffective and may even be harmful. So it’s very important to do the right type of neurofeedback that actually works. It’s also critical to work with a qualified neurofeedback practitioner who knows what they are doing. Otherwise, you can get worse. We help our clients find a qualified practitioner in their area.

17. Light Therapy

Light therapy is another natural therapy that you may be able to use to manage and treat your OCD. 

I came across a case study of a woman who had OCD and it got a lot worse in the winter. 

But two hours of light therapy every day for two weeks improved her mood and reduced her symptoms of obsession. 

What’s most surprising is that her condition remained stable for 16 months afterwards. She even made it through the next following winter (69).  

I personally get sunlight every day during the spring and summer months to support my mental health.  

I also use a number of different at-home devices to improve my mood and optimize my brain function. 

Throughout the winter, I use a seasonal affective disorder (SAD) light box. I turn it on next to my desk in the morning.

I also have a Vitamin D sunlamp for the winter months. 

And all year around, I use low-level red-light therapy (LLLT) to improve my mood and cognitive function. I use these three LLLT devices: 

• Optimal 1000 Brain Photobiomodulation Therapy Light (Combo Red/NIR) - This is a powerful device that shines 660 nm of red light and 850 nm of infrared light. I shine it on my forehead for 5 minutes every day. I also shine it on other parts of my head and on my entire body, including on my thyroid, thymus gland and gut. I experience incredible benefits from doing this.

• Optimal 300 Brain Photobiomodulation Therapy Light (Combo Red/NIR) - This is a smaller and more convenient device that I take with me when I’m travelling. I shine it on my forehead.

• Vielight Neuro Duo – This is a transcranial-intranasal headset with 810 nm of near infrared light that I’ve now been using regularly. It penetrates deeper into brain tissue and is absorbed better by the central nervous system. If you decide to get this one, you can use the coupon code JORDANFALLIS for a 10% discount. Some research has shown a 20-fold higher efficiency of light delivery to the deep brain through the nose instead of transcranial application (125). Vielight has several different devices and you can also use the coupon code JORDANFALLIS for 10% off any of them.

You can read more about LLLT here.  

I highly recommend all of the above devices if you really want to optimize your mental health and reduce symptoms of OCD. 

18. Meditation

Meditation is my favourite daily activity to relax and ground myself. 

And if you have OCD, you should try to add it into your daily routine as well. 

In one study, OCD patients received mindfulness training. They were taught meditative breathing, body-scan, and mindful daily living.  

By the end of the study, they witnessed a “significant and large reduction” in their OCD symptoms. It was much easier for them to “let go” (66).  

I use the Muse headband to meditate. It gives you real-time feedback while you meditate. That way, you know how well you are meditating. It makes meditation a lot more fun and tolerable.  

I previously wrote about the Muse headband here, and you can get it through the Muse website. 

19. Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy

Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) is a type of therapy that includes a mix of cognitive behavioral therapy methods and mindfulness meditate practices. 

As mentioned before, mindfulness meditation and cognitive behavioral therapy help people with OCD individually. 

So it’s not too surprising they also help when used in combination. 

In one study, eight weeks of MBCT reduced OCD symptoms.  

Two third of the participants reported a decline in symptoms, including an increased ability to let unpleasant emotions surface and to live more consciously in the present (76).  

20. Exercise

Exercise is another natural way to manage and treat OCD. 

It’s easily accessible and free, and many doctors and researchers recommend exercise as their number one piece of advice for optimal mental health. 

Five different studies have found that aerobic exercise can reduce OCD symptoms (59-63).  

After exercising for 12 weeks, study participants reported fewer obsessions and compulsions, and the benefits remain for 6 months (64).  

The exercise doesn’t need to be intense though.  

Even simply walking can reduce symptoms of OCD (65).  

Exercise can be a big chore for a lot of people, so I recommend finding some sort of sport or aerobic activity that you enjoy. That way you won’t get sick of it and you’ll exercise regularly. 

21. Music

Music is actually very healing and can have a calming effect on the brain. 

I previously wrote about how music can naturally reduce cortisol, and increase dopamine and oxytocin. 

This is probably why it’s been shown to help people with OCD. 

In one study, music therapy reduced symptoms of obsession, depression and anxiety in patients with OCD (67).  

22. Acupuncture

Acupuncture is another natural treatment that has been shown to help people with OCD. 

In one study, 19 patients with treatment-resistant OCD received 12 sessions of acupuncture, and it significantly alleviated their OCD symptoms (68). 

I’m personally a really big fan of auricular acupuncture. Auricular acupuncture is when needles are inserted into ear. I’d recommend trying to find a health practitioner in your area who provides it, especially if you’re weening off psychiatric medication. It really helped me the first time I came off antidepressants. I was surprised.  

At the end of each appointment, my practitioner would secure small black seeds on my ear.  

In my experience, ear acupuncture is more effective than regular acupuncture.  

I also lie on an acupuncture mat at home to relax before bed. 

Enjoy This Article? You Might Also Like My FREE Food Guide for Optimal Brain and Mental Health!

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FREE GUIDE

Live Optimally,

Jordan Fallis

Connect with me

References:  

(1) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inositol  

(2) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7416064 

(3) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inositol 

(4) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8780431  

(5) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9169302 

(6) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3680022/ 

(7) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4253901/ 

(8) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3252722/  

(9) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11194174  

(10) https://www.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18476388cbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18476388  

(11) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22546655  

(12) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12895672  

(13) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10075127 

(14) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4270108/  

(15) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3252722/  

(16) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2958355/pdf/IJPsy-42-295.pdf  

(17) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3040882/ 

(18) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5319175/ 

(19) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4599112/  

(20) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4599118/ 

(21) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22718671 

(22) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14742369  

(22) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10411208  

(24) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17585957  

(25) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18095218  

(26) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK11084/  

(27) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4863311/  

(28) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14751470  

(29) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12895671  

(30) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12662130  

(31) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4303399/  

(32) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20634372  

(33) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24758222  

(34) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18160026  

(35) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18602406  

(36) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20042323  

(37) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25495725  

(38) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26177123  

(39) https://www.ncbi.nh  

(40) https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapsychiatry/fullarticle/482548  

(41) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15921820  

(42) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10622375  

(43) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24055511 

(44) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19581567 

(45) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4423164/ 

(46) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23131885 

(47) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19573497 

(48) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6559101/ 

(49) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22383079 

(50) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22465904 

(51) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22383079 

(52) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27515872 

(53) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3354439/ 

(54) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22383079 

(55) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5056568/ 

(56) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22985509 

(57) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22718671 

(58) http://www.yalescientific.org/2016/02/battling-ocd-in-real-time-live-brain-imaging-helps-patients-attack-anxiety-at-the-source/ 

(59) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17568300/ 

(60) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19616916/ 

(61) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25738234 

(62) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5726421/ 

(63) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30699885 

(64) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19616916 

(65) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3567313/ 

(66) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18852623 

(67) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26066780 

(68) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19684500 

(69) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4361980/ 

(70) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19046587 

(71) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21508860 

(72) https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/13880200490519712 

(73) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20035818 

(74) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15261383 

(75) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19737592 

(76) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3549892/ 

(77) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17849776 

(78) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22999486 

(79) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2797569/ 

(80) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3613755/ 

(81) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18424906/  

(82) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3762604/ 

(83) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12888801/ 

(84) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3762604/ 

(85) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8201248 

(86) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22024245 

(87) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3181951/ 

(88) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28549337 

(89) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3181951/

Terms and Conditions

Privacy Policy

Affiliate Disclosure

Disclaimer

The Brain and Mental Health Benefits of Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) & Photobiomodulation

Low-level laser/light therapy (LLLT) is an important treatment that I have used over the years to support my brain after serious concussions, toxic mold exposure and multiple psychiatric prescriptions. 

And in my experience, it is one of the most efficient ways to boost brain function and improve mental health. 

Yet your doctor likely has no idea what it is. 

It’s about as cutting-edge as it gets, and even more unconventional than neurofeedback. But it works. 

Also known as photobiomodulation, LLLT is the application of low-power lasers or light-emitting diodes (LEDs) to the body for therapeutic purposes.  When LLLT is applied to the brain, it is known as transcranial LLLT or transcranial photobiomodulation (44). 

LLLT has been around since 1967, and there are now more than four thousand scientific studies showing that it can help treat a variety of disorders without any harmful effects. Unlike high-intensity surgical lasers, low-powered lasers do not cut or burn tissue. Instead, these lasers stimulate a biological response and encourage cells to function properly (11, 12, 33). 

And luckily, it’s very easy to treat yourself at home with LLLT using red and infrared light.

I have used three main devices on my brain. They significantly improved the quality of my life over the years.

Make sure you read the Recommended Devices section below, where I discuss the different devices I have used. 

How It Works

Research shows that red and infrared light between the wavelengths of 632 nanometers (nm) and 1064 nm produce positive biological effects. For brain cells, the optimal range appears to be between 800 nm and 1000 nm, as these wavelengths can penetrate the scalp and skull and reach the brain (19, 20, 25-31).

The devices I have used fall within this range. 

The light emitted from the devices below stimulate a photochemical reaction within cells, which can accelerate the natural healing process and cause beneficial changes in behaviour (45).

How does it do this?

Mainly by supporting your mitochondria. 

As I’ve discussed before, mitochondria are considered the “powerhouses of the cell,” generating most of the energy in your body in the form of adenosine-5’- triphosphate (ATP). 

ATP is your body’s main source of cellular fuel. You are constantly using it, and your brain needs enough of it to work properly. 

Proper mitochondrial function and ATP production is critical for neuroprotection, cognitive enhancement, and the prevention and alleviation of several neurological and mental disorders (46).

And research demonstrates that transcranial LLLT supports mitochondrial function and significantly increases the production of ATP in the brain (3-5, 8-10, 13-17, 21-22, 34, 45).

Your mitochondria contain photoacceptors that absorb the photons from light and convert them into ATP – energy that can be used to perform cellular tasks and biological processes (39, 40).

This process is comparable to plant photosynthesis, during which sunlight is absorbed by plants and converted to energy for the plants to grow (23, 24). 

By stimulating the mitochondria and producing more ATP, LLLT gives brain cells extra ATP energy to work better and heal and repair themselves.

On top of this, LLLT has also been shown to:

• Increase neurogenesis, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and nerve growth factor (NGF) (1, 41, 42)

• Reduce inflammation (1, 35, 37, 41)

• Decrease free radicals and oxidative stress in the brain (2)

• Increase blood flow and circulation, including within the frontal cortex (6, 18, 32)

• Reduce pain by increasing our body’s endorphins (natural opioids and natural pain relievers) (7, 36)

• Increased rate of oxygen consumption in the frontal cortex (32, 100)

• Increase serotonin (38)

My Experience and What You Should Expect

LLLT is one of the most impactful and helpful actions I took to optimize my brain and mental health.

By the time I was off all psychiatric medications, I had lost a lot of my full cognitive capabilities. Thankfully, LLLT helped restore them.

Here are some of the results I noticed:

• Increased cognitive function

• Sharper thinking

• Improved mood, concentration, alertness

• Less fatigue and reduced need for sleep

• More mental motivation, endurance and productivity

Overall, it improved my mental constitution. I didn’t get as fatigued and worn down as easily and I could focus and think harder for longer periods of time.

LLLT also has a cumulative effect. Your brain becomes stronger and more resilient over time as you do the treatment consistently.  

It allowed me to reduce the number of supplements I was taking daily. I now realize that I needed the treatment for many years, but I just didn’t know it existed.

Luckily, I started treating myself on a regular basis and have never felt better. 

Many serious brain injuries and mental illnesses can be successfully treated with LLLT, including depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury, post-concussion syndrome, stroke and Alzheimer's disease.

I explore how LLLT has been shown to help each of these disorders below. Feel free to skip to the disorder you're struggling with to learn more.

Depression and Anxiety

Studies in rats and humans provide evidence that LLLT improves mood and decreases depressive symptoms.

In 2009, researchers took 10 patients with a history of major depression and anxiety (including post-traumatic stress disorder and substance abuse) and applied LLLT to their foreheads for four weeks. At the end of the study, six of the 10 patients experienced a remission of their depression, and seven of the 10 patients experienced a remission of their anxiety. There were no observable side effects (54). 

“The data supports that LLLT to the head constitutes a promising neurotherapeutic tool to modulate behaviour in a non-invasive manner.”

— Dr. Julio C. Rojas, MD, PhD, University of California

This makes sense considering that several studies show that depression is linked to abnormal blood flow in the frontal cortex of the brain, and LLLT increases blood flow and circulation (47, 53). 

Other studies have shown that participants report a significant increase in positive emotions and a reduction in depressive symptoms for two weeks after LLLT treatment (55-57). 

Sufferers of traumatic brain injury (TBI) also experience a decrease in depression, anxiety, irritability and insomnia, and an overall improvement in quality of life, because of LLLT (58, 59).  

I personally experienced all of these results.

Traumatic Brain Injury

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a growing health concern. An estimated 1.7 million people sustain a TBI annually in the U.S. (60). 

Mild TBIs (concussions) make up 75 per cent of all brain injuries. Military personnel deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan frequently experience mild TBI while overseas, and many months after they return home, they often struggle with PTSD, depression and anxiety (61, 62). 

And research shows that transcranial LLLT can help (63). 

I personally experienced this. In 2010, I suffered multiple concussions while living in a moldy home, and thankfully LLLT helped me recover from post-concussion syndrome.

A number of human studies show that patients with chronic mild TBI experience improved cognition, memory and sleep with LLLT treatment. 

One study examined whether LLLT could help 11 patients with chronic mild TBI symptoms. They all had cognitive dysfunction, and four of them had multiple concussions like I did. 

After 18 LLLT sessions, their cognition, memory and verbal learning improved. Participants also said they slept better and had fewer PTSD symptoms. Coworkers, friends and family reported improved social, interpersonal, and occupational functioning (65). 

If LLLT was a drug, we would definitely be hearing about it.

In another study, 10 people with chronic TBI were given 10 treatments of LLLT (810 nm) and witnessed a reduction in headaches, cognitive dysfunction, sleep problems, anxiety, depression and irritability (66). 

There have also been a few case studies showing beneficial effects of transcranial LLLT in TBI patients (67, 68):

“Seven years after closed-head TBI from a motor vehicle accident, case 1 (a 66-year-old woman) began transcranial LED treatments. Before LLLT treatment, she could focus on her computer for only 20 minutes. After eight weekly LLLT treatments, her focused computer time increased to 3 hours. She has treated herself nightly at home for 5.5 years now and maintains her improved cognition at age 72 years.”

“Case 2 (a 52-year-old retired, high-ranking female military officer) had a history of multiple closed-head injuries. Before beginning LLLT treatments, she was on medical disability for 5 months. After 4 months of nightly LLLT treatments at home, she returned to working full-time as an executive consultant with an international technology consulting firm and discontinued medical disability. Neuropsychological testing performed after 9 months of transcranial LED showed significant improvement in cognition and memory, as well as reduction in post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms.”

“Case 3 received 20 LLLT treatments over two months and experienced highly favourable outcomes with decreased depression, anxiety, headache, and insomnia, whereas cognition and quality of life improved.”

So LLLT can improve cognition, reduce costs in TBI treatment and be applied at home?

Hmm, sounds like something the pharmaceutical industry would not like people to know about – and something that would force them to lose a lot of life-long customers. 

Several mouse studies also show that transcranial LLLT can prevent cell death and increase neurological performance after TBI (69-72). 

Researchers believe that LLLT works so well for people struggling with TBI symptoms because mitochondria in the brain are significantly dysfunctional after TBI, resulting in an inadequate supply of ATP, and LLLT can support the mitochondria and increase ATP production (73-75, 79). 

There is also poor blood flow and oxygenation, and increased inflammation and oxidative stress in the brain after head injuries. This contributes to brain damage, but LLLT can help combat these problems, increase antioxidants, promote neurogenesis and relieve chronic symptoms (76-78, 80-83).

Alzheimer's Disease and Cognitive Impairment

Research shows that LLLT can boost performance and improve cognitive function, including attention and memory, in elderly people, young healthy people and animals.  

Preliminary studies demonstrate that LLLT could slow down the progression of Alzheimer’s disease by decreasing a protein in the brain that is linked to dementia (84-86, 94). 

Downregulation of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) occurs early in the progression of Alzheimer's disease, and LLLT has been shown to prevent brain cell loss by upregulating BDNF (87). 

“LLLT could be used as a preventive intervention in people who present risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease, mild cognitive impairment, or a history of head trauma. In such patients, LLLT could be combined with cognitive intervention approaches.”

— Dr. Francisco Gonzalez-Lima, PhD, University of Austin, Texas

Researchers have also applied LLLT to middle-aged mice, and discovered that the memory and cognitive performance of the middle-aged mice improved so much that it was comparable with that of young mice. The researchers concluded that LLLT should be “applied in cases of general cognitive impairment in elderly persons” (5, 88). 

Several others studies have shown that LLLT significantly increases alertness, awareness and sustained attention, and improves short-term memory and reaction time. Study participants also made fewer errors during tasks and tests (89-91, 93, 95). 

Another study found that LLLT was just as effective as exercise at enhancing cognition, likely by providing neuroprotection and supporting the mitochondria (92, 96).

Stroke

Multiple studies show that LLLT can significantly reduce brain damage and improve recovery outcomes after a stroke (110-113). 

In one study, researchers applied LLLT over the entire surface of the head of stroke patients approximately 18 hours after a stroke. Five days after the stroke, they found significantly greater improvements in the LLLT-treated group. The improvements continued 90 days after the stroke. At the end of the study, 70% of the patients treated with real LLLT had a successful outcome compared with only 51% of the control subjects (114). 

Follow up studies with over 600 stroke patients found similar beneficial results. Researchers believe increase in the production of ATP is responsible for the improvements (115, 116, 117).  

Numerous studies also show that LLLT significantly reduces neurological problems and improves behaviour in rats and rabbits after stroke. It also increases the growth of new brain cells in these animals, improving their overall recovery (118-124).

Other Disorders

There are a number of other disorders that can also improve with LLLT treatment: 

• Parkinson’s disease (PD) – “Mitochondria in PD tissues are compromised, and LLLT could be developed as a novel treatment to improve neuronal function in patients with PD” (109).

• Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) - Mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress play an important role in motor neuron loss in ALS. Motor function significantly improved with LLLT in a group of people in the early stage of the disease (99).

• Autism – Linked to mitochondria dysfunction and inflammation, so LLLT would likely help (103, 104).

• Bipolar disorder – Linked to mitochondria dysfunction and inflammation (105, 106, 107)

• Schizophrenia – Linked to mitochondria dysfunction and inflammation (105, 106)

• Smoking Cessation – Check out this video.

• Alcoholism (101, 102)

• Opiate addiction (102)

• Headaches and migraines (108)

• Acne - This is unrelated to brain health but LLLT can also treat acne. Improving my diet helped me overcome my acne many years ago, but I definitely wish I had known about LLLT when I had it. An integrative physician I know has had a lot of success with her patients struggling with acne and other skin issues (97, 98).

Recommended Devices

I first discovered LLLT when reading Dr. Norman Doidge’s book, The Brain's Way of Healing: Remarkable Discoveries and Recoveries from the Frontiers of Neuroplasticity.

Dr. Doidge talks about the BioFlex Laser Therapy equipment, which costs tens of thousands of dollars.

I found an integrative physician who owned a Bioflex and I gave it a try. 

After a few sessions, I started experiencing beneficial effects.

So I decided to go ahead and buy my own LLLT devices for much cheaper.

I ended up finding and trying a number of different LLLT devices myself

They were much less expensive than the Bioflex, and I wanted to see how they compared to the Bioflex.

Many of the devices I bought didn't help me very much because they weren't powerful enough.

Most light devices aren't very effective at penetrating the skull.

But after a lot of research, and trial and error, I found devices that were powerful enough.

And they did help me.

And they provided me with the same brain and mental health benefits as the expensive Bioflex.

Here are the three devices I now recommend because they actually work:

• Optimal 1000 Brain Photobiomodulation Therapy Light (Combo Red/NIR) - This is a powerful device that shines 660 nm of red light and 850 nm of infrared light. Like I have, you can shine it on your forehead for 5 minutes every day. You can also shine it on other parts of your head and on your entire body, including on your thyroid, thymus gland and gut. I have experienced incredible benefits from doing this.

• Optimal 300 Brain Photobiomodulation Therapy Light (Combo Red/NIR) - This is a smaller and more convenient device that I have taken with me when travelling.

• Vielight Neuro Duo – This is a transcranial-intranasal headset with 810 nm of near infrared light. It penetrates deeper into brain tissue and is absorbed better by the central nervous system. If you decide to get this one, you can use the coupon code JORDANFALLIS for a 10% discount. Some research has shown a 20-fold higher efficiency of light delivery to the deep brain through the nose instead of transcranial application (125). Vielight has several different devices and you can also use the coupon code JORDANFALLIS for 10% off any of them.

Unlike most pharmaceuticals, LLLT is very safe, non-toxic and non-invasive, so you can easily try it on yourself without concern and see if it helps you like it has helped me (33, 34, 126). 

You can shine the light all over your head. But start slow and apply the light to different areas of your head for just 1-2 minutes, maybe even less if you’re really sensitive. Then work your way up to longer periods of time, perhaps 5-10 minutes per area. There’s no exact proper way to do this. Listen to your body and see how it affects you. 

It’s important to note that some people experience grogginess and fatigue after using LLLT. I experienced this the day after my first treatment. I was incredibly tired and lethargic. This was a sign that I did too much. 

If you feel extremely tired immediately after LLLT or the next day, take a break and do less next time. For example, if you applied light to your forehead for 3 minutes, then drop back down to 2 minutes for your next session. 

It is also important to cycle LLLT. The way it works is similar to exercise, so you need to take breaks in order to heal and get stronger. Using it everyday can cause a burnout effect. You can use it every other day to give your brain a chance to recover.

More Details on How I’ve Used the Optimal 1000 Therapy Light

Someone recently asked me for more details on how to use the Optimal 1000 Brain Photobiomodulation Therapy Light (Combo Red/NIR). So I thought I’d share what I told them here:

I usually hang the Optimal 1000 Brain Photobiomodulation Therapy Light (Combo Red/NIR) on my door, and then start by standing in front of it for about 10 minutes. I would say I'm about 1 or 2 feet away so that the light is shining on most of my body. I tend to prioritize my upper body though, particularly my thyroid, gut, thymus gland, and of course my head. But what I've found is that shining it on other parts of your body (besides my brain) actually leads to indirect cognitive benefits as well. So it's not just shining it on the brain that helps with cognitive function.

I will also sometimes turn my back to the light and shine it on my back and spine area, and on the back of my head, for about 5 to 10 minutes.

I also get much closer (perhaps about 2-3 inches away) and shine it just on my forehead for 4-5 minutes or so. It is safe to do this because our devices emit a very low, safe level of EMFs.

So what I usually do is 10 minutes on my entire body and then right after that, 5 minutes on my face/forehead. But it's completely fine to do them separately at different times of the day or on completely separate days if you want.

It's usually good to limit your exposure to a maximum of 20 minutes at a time though, because too much at one time can make you too tired and negate the beneficial effects.

The back of your head where your spine meets your skull is another great area to shine the light. I also like to shine the light on the sides of my head (around my ears) for a few minutes each.

Conclusion

Frankly, it’s ridiculous that this therapy is not more well-known and promoted by doctors. But like everything else on this website, you don’t have to wait for conventional medicine to catch up, and you can experiment with the LLLT devices yourself. There is a high benefit-to-risk ratio. 

I suspect that home-use application of LLLT will become much more popular in the coming years.

The remarkable effects of the treatment in healing the brain in a non-invasive manner, along with the fact that there is little evidence of any adverse side effects, suggests to me that it’s use will only increase.

At the same time, distrust in pharmaceuticals continues to grow because of uncertain efficacy and unbearable side effects. 

And as the Western population continues to age, the incidence of the degenerative brain diseases will only continue to increase, which will produce a severe financial and societal burden.

So people will realize they are at a disadvantage by not having their own device(s) and will start using them on a regular basis for optimal mental health and cognition.

Enjoy This Article? You Might Also Like My FREE Food Guide for Optimal Brain Health!

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FREE GUIDE

Live Optimally,

Jordan Fallis

Connect with me

References:

(1) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23003120

(2) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23281261

(3) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3945284/

(4) http://www.ncbi.http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21274733lm.nih.gov/pubmed/21274733

(5) http://www.http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22850314.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22850314

(6) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15954817

(7) http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/lsm.20583/abstract

(8) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9421973

(9) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11959421

(10) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17603858

(11) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/5098661  

(12) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/4659882

(13) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10365442/

(14) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/6479342/ 

(15) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2476986/

(16) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17463313/

(17) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19837048/

(18) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19995444/

(19) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2442599/

(20) http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0004951414601276

(21) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3288797/

(22) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23239434?dopt=AbstractPlus

(23) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3953713/

(24) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3065857/

(25) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26535475

(26) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26347062

(27) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24568233

(28) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21182447

(29) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2796659/

(30) http://stroke.ahajournals.org/content/40/4/1359.long

(31) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17463313

(32) http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/775815

(33) https://www.psio.com/pdf/LLLT-of-eye-and-brain.pdf

(34) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/6200808

(35) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22275301

(36) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17439348

(37) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17868110

(38) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26202374

(39) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3288797/

(40) http://www.isabelleverbeek.nl/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/A2-cognitie-Gonzalez-softlaser-fotonen-therapie-2014b.pdf

(41) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3065857/

(42) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3538543/

(43)https://www.researchgate.net/publication/273781132_Red_and_NIR_light_dosimetry_in_the_human_deep_brain

(44) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25772014

(45) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19837048

(46) http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0006295213007417

(47) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15025051

(48) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16043128

(49) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12946880

(50) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15061044

(51) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15570642

(52) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12181629

(53) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10739143

(54) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19995444

(55) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27267860

(56) http://dose-response.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/Gonzalez-Lima_2014.pdf

(57) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23200785

(58) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26535475

(59) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26347062

(60) https://www.cdc.gov/traumaticbraininjury/pdf/bluebook_factsheet-a.pdf

(61) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18234750/

(62) https://www.cdc.gov/traumaticbraininjury/pdf/mtbireport-a.pdf

(63) http://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0053454

(65) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24568233

(66) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26347062

(67) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3104287/

(68) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26535475

(69) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17439348/

(70) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19800810/

(71) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3538543/

(72) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3397203

(73) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11059663

(74) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19637966

(75) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16120426

(76) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18501200/

(77) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19995444/

(78) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3397203/

(79) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17439348/

(80) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3397203/

(81) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17439348/

(82) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17439348

(83)https://www.researchgate.net/publication/229161498_Transcranial_low_level_laser_light_therapy_for_traumatic_brain_injury

(84) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18769048/

(85) https://www.researchgate.net/publication/263742704_Low-Level_Laser_Therapy_Ameliorates_Disease_Progression_in_a_Mouse_Model_of_Alzheimer%27s_Disease

(86) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24994540

(87) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23946409

(88) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17855128/

(89) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23200785

(90) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27080072

(91) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26017772

(92) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27220529

(93) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3953713/

(94) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24387311

(95) http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1074742707001153

(96) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23806754

(97) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22615511

(98) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3352636/

(99) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19143012/

(100) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26817446

(101) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15674998/

(102) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19995444

(103) http://www.ucdmc.ucdavis.edu/publish/news/newsroom/8932

(104) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3554862/

(105) http://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0004913

(106) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3626880/

(107) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23196997

(108) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12811613

(109) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19534794/

(110) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3538543/

(111) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19995444

(112) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17463313/

(113) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19233936/

(114) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17463313/

(115) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19233936/

(116) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20425181/

(117) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19837048/     

(118) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19995444

(119) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16946145/

(120) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17693028/

(121) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17678491/

(122) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16444697/  

(123) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17693028

(124) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15155955

(125)https://www.researchgate.net/publication/273781132_Red_and_NIR_light_dosimetry_in_the_human_deep_brain

(126) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23675984

Terms and Conditions

Privacy Policy

Affiliate Disclosure

Disclaimer

The Remarkable Antioxidant That Can Help Treat 6 Mental Illnesses

When I went to the doctor years ago for help with my concussion symptoms and mental health challenges, he offered me two options – addictive sleeping pills or antidepressants.

That was it.

I was left in the dark.

I had no other options and nowhere to turn, so I had to take the medication.

Years later, I now know there are many other options and solutions.

N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC), a cheap amino acid and antioxidant, is an effective way to deal with the root cause of mental illness and sub-optimal cognition.

What's N-Acetylcysteine? How Can It Help The Brain?

N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC) is a modified form of the amino acid cysteine and helps your body produce glutathione.

Glutathione is a powerful antioxidant that supports liver detoxification and reduces free radicals in the body. 

Over the past 30 years, high doses of NAC have been used in emergency rooms to combat acetaminophen (Tylenol) toxicity (1, 2). 

But there is also an overwhelming amount of evidence showing that NAC can help treat a number of neurological and psychiatric disorders, and it helped me years ago when I was trying to recover from mental illness and post-concussion syndrome. 

A systematic review of all of the evidence suggests that NAC is effective at treating the following conditions (4, 6, 18, 19):

•    Major depressive disorder
•    Bipolar disorder
•    Drug addiction
•    Obsessive-compulsive disorder
•    Autism
•    Schizophrenia
•    Alzheimer's disease
•    Certain forms of epilepsy (progressive myoclonic)

NAC also reduces the severity of mild traumatic brain injury in soldiers, and animal studies show that it can improve cognition after moderate traumatic brain injury (5). 

Disorders such as anxiety and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder have preliminary evidence but require larger studies (4, 6). 

Overall, it’s clear to me that NAC should be a first-line treatment for mental illness.

My recommendation: I used to take 1200 mg of NAC every day to manage my long-term mental health. It was very helpful at one point in time. I no longer need to take it anymore because I’m completely recovered and well. It’s just not necessary for me anymore because I’m healthy. However, when I was taking it, I eventually started experienced some side effects due to heavy metal redistribution. Studies show that people benefit from taking anywhere between 500 mg to 3000 mg daily or every other day. But I find that many people actually do better when they take a lower dose because high doses of NAC can sometimes redistribute heavy metals into the brain. You’ll obviously want to avoid this. I now recommend people take just 250 mg of NAC, which can be found in the Optimal Antiox supplement. Optimal Antiox also contains a number of other antioxidants and nutrients that can support your brain and mental health. Optimal Antiox also includes leucine, which is an amino acid. Taking leucine with NAC prevents mercury from being reabsorbed into the central nervous system.

How Is It So Effective At Treating All These Mental Health Conditions?

First of all, it's important to note that NAC seems to target biological pathways that are common across all mental disorders.

Here are some possible explanations for its effectiveness:

• NAC has anti-inflammatory properties, and inflammation has been linked to depression and other mental health disorders (12, 13).

• NAC has also been shown to successfully cross the blood-brain-barrier and raise glutathione levels in the brain. Low levels of glutathione in the brain have been linked to a number of psychiatric disorders (8-11, 17-19, 24).

• High levels of oxidative stress have been identified in the brains of patients with a variety of psychiatric illnesses. Increasing brain glutathione by supplementing with NAC can help reduce this oxidative stress and protect neurons from oxidative damage (20-23, 25).

• Lastly, NAC may be having beneficial effects on patients by reducing glutamate, a major excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain that can lead to overstimulation (14-16, 26).

Therefore, if you take NAC, you're giving your body an efficient way to soak up excess glutamate. You’re also reducing oxidative stress and inflammation by giving it glutathione. As a result, this helps alleviate a number of different mental health problems. 

Below, I’ll lay out some of the research exploring NAC as a possible treatment for six mental health problems. Feel free to skip to your condition to learn about it. 

Depression and Bipolar Disorder

Here is some of the research looking into NAC as a possible treatment for depression and bipolar disorder:

• A randomized controlled trial examined 149 individuals with moderate depression. They received two grams of NAC or placebo. Before treatment, the estimated mean depression score was 19.7. At the end of the 8-week study, the score had decreased to 11.1. Individuals who received NAC witnessed improvements in functioning and quality of life (27).
  

• Another randomized controlled trial looked at 75 patients with bipolar disorder. Two grams of NAC or placebo was given for 6 months. At the end of this period, the group who received NAC saw a reduction in their depression and significant improvements in their global, social and occupational functioning. The improvements were rated as “medium to high” and it was concluded that "NAC is a safe and effective augmentation strategy for depressive symptoms” (28).
  

• Several other studies have examined the effects of NAC on bipolar disorder (including mania) and found that two grams of NAC daily significantly improves and even causes a full remission of both depressive and manic symptoms (29-31).

It’s important to note that some of these studies lasted 6 months, which is a very long time for randomized control trials. And all of the studies had beneficial effects and zero severe side effects. That’s quite impressive.

All of the above research makes sense in light of a meta-analysis that found that patients with bipolar disorder have significantly higher levels of oxidative stress and glutamate in their brain.

A number of mood-stabilizing medications aim to decrease glutamate, yet they come with numerous side effects (14-16, 26, 27, 32, 33).

And as I've discussed before, certain antidepressants can deplete glutathione, which further increases oxidative stress. 

Addiction

Substance abuse and addiction are very costly. Yet there are hardly any efficient treatments that prevent relapse. 

But a lot of research is emerging demonstrating a link between oxidative stress and drug addiction, and how NAC can help manage it (66-68). 

• In a small study, 13 people abstaining from cocaine were given 2,400 mg of NAC or placebo over two days. The participants who received NAC witnessed a significant reduction in their withdrawal symptoms and cravings for cocaine (34). Follow-up studies also showed that NAC reduced desire and interest in cocaine (35, 36).

• Smokers voluntarily reduce their cigarette use by around 25% after two weeks of supplementing with 2,400 mg of NAC (37, 65).

• And it’s not just addiction to drugs. NAC also shows promise for the treatment of gambling addiction. A randomized control trial with 27 pathological gamblers showed that gamblers who supplemented with NAC scored 60% lower on the “Obsessive Compulsive Scale for Pathological Gambling." (38).

Here are 8 other nutrients that can help with addiction.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Not surprisingly, there are brain similarities among people who suffer from addiction and obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD).

Just like addiction, higher levels of oxidative stress and glutamate are found in people with OCD (39-44). 

The standard treatment for OCD is a combination of antidepressants and psychotherapy.

But around 20% of patients don’t get better with this combination, and many suffer from a variety of drug side effects (45). 

Since NAC is inexpensive and widely available, it’s clear that it has significant advantages for patients.

I also encourage you to check out this article for 21 other ways to treat OCD.

Autism

Autism is a touchy subject. So let me start out by saying that NAC will not cure autism. Autism has many different causes and contributing factors.

However, NAC will likely improve some autistic symptoms. 

Multiple studies suggest that NAC is a well-tolerated treatment for autistic individuals and can reduce their irritability (46-48). 

Like the disorders above, research has found that autistic individuals have higher levels of oxidative stress and lower levels of the antioxidant glutathione in their brains, making it likely that NAC will help them (49-55). 

There is also lots of evidence suggesting that too much glutamate in the brain contributes to autistic symptoms. As discussed earlier, glutamate in a major excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain. It is also the precursor to GABA, a calming neurotransmitter that reduces anxiety. 

There is an enzyme that converts glutamate to GABA, and researchers have found that this enzyme is lower in individuals on the autism spectrum. This leads to more glutamate and less GABA, and therefore much more excitation. Not surprisingly then, glutamate antagonists (e.g. NAC) have been shown to reduce symptoms of autism, bringing them more into balance (56-60). 

Since oxidation and glutamate are abnormally elevated in persons with autism, NAC can kill two birds with one stone by providing an antioxidant effect and reducing glutamate levels in the brain of autistic individuals. 

Schizophrenia

The last mental disorder I’m going to explore is schizophrenia. There is a good amount of research suggesting that NAC can help with this condition as well.

• Researchers gave 2 grams of NAC to schizophrenic patients during a six-month randomized control trial. The participants who received NAC experienced improvements in their symptoms, and many of them did not experience improvements from other treatments. They demonstrated improvements in insight, self-care, social interaction, motivation, and stabilization of mood. Follow-up studies found similar results (62, 63, 70).
  

• I found one study that explored NAC’s ability to change schizophrenic patient’s electroencephalogram (EEG) synchronicity – a measure of electrical activity within the brain that I discussed in my post about neurofeedback (69).
  

• I also found a case report of a young woman with treatment-resistant schizophrenia who showed significant improvements in symptoms by taking just 600 mg of NAC every day (64).

This makes sense considering there is an expanding body of evidence suggesting oxidative stress occurs in individuals with schizophrenia. Some research shows that the more oxidative stress a schizophrenic patient experiences, the worse their symptoms get. And several studies indicate that NAC may benefit schizophrenics by increasing glutathione and reducing glutamate (61, 71-74).

Conclusion

Overall, oxidation and glutamate are often abnormally elevated in people with a wide range of neurological and psychiatric disorders. 

NAC may correct these underlying problems by generating the antioxidant glutathione and reducing the excitatory neurotransmitter glutamate.

If you suffer from depression, bipolar disorder, OCD, drug addiction or autism, you could start taking it and see if it helps you. If it helps, keep taking. If not, then try something else. 

Many of the studies also suggest that NAC enhances the effectiveness of psychiatric medications. So if you're already on medication, NAC and your medication will likely work better together.

My recommendation: I used to take 1200 mg of NAC every day to manage my long-term mental health. It was very helpful at one point in time. I no longer need to take it anymore because I’m completely recovered and well. It’s just not necessary for me anymore because I’m healthy. However, when I was taking it, I eventually started experienced some side effects due to heavy metal redistribution. Studies show that people benefit from taking anywhere between 500 mg to 3000 mg daily or every other day. But I find that many people actually do better when they take a lower dose because high doses of NAC can sometimes redistribute heavy metals into the brain. You’ll obviously want to avoid this. I now recommend people take just 250 mg of NAC, which can be found in the Optimal Antiox supplement. Optimal Antiox also contains a number of other antioxidants and nutrients that can support your brain and mental health. Optimal Antiox also includes leucine, which is an amino acid. Taking leucine with NAC prevents mercury from being reabsorbed into the central nervous system.

Enjoy This Article? You Might Also Like My FREE Food Guide for Optimal Brain and Mental Health!

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FREE GUIDE

Live Optimally,

Jordan Fallis

Connect with me

References:

1.    http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/677146/ 
2.    Atkuri, K.R., et al. “N-Acetylcysteine — a safe antidote for cysteine/glutathione deficiency”. Current Opinion in Pharmacology Vol. 7, No. 4 (2007): 355–359.
3.    http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16439183
4.    http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25957927
5.    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3553161/ 
6.    http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11673605/ 
7.    http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12512991
8.    http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2029805/ 
9.    http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18004285/ 
10.    http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11691805  
11.    http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12603840
12.    http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20021321
13.    http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19122532
14.    http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3044191/ 
15.    http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17401648/ 
16.    http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12584726/ 
17.    http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12512991
18.    http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24752591  
19.    http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25004186
20.    Andreazza, A.C., et al. “Oxidative stress markers in bipolar disorder: a meta-analysis”. Journal of Affective Disorders Vol. 111, No. 2–3 (2008): 135–144. 
21.    Kim, H.K., et al. “Oxidation and nitration in dopaminergic areas of the prefrontal cortex from patients with bipolar disorder and schizophrenia”. Journal of Psychiatry & Neuroscience Vol. 39, No. 1 (2014): 130155.
22.    Wang, J.F., et al. “Increased oxidative stress in the anterior cingulate cortex of subjects with bipolar disorder and schizophrenia”. Bipolar Disorders Vol. 11, No. 5 (2009): 523–529.
23.    Gawryluk, J.W., et al. “Decreased levels of glutathione, the major brain antioxidant, in post-mortem prefrontal cortex from patients with psychiatric disorders”. The International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology Vol. 14, No. 1 (2011): 123–130.
24.    Holmay, M.J., et al. “N-Acetylcysteine boosts brain and blood glutathione in Gaucher and Parkinson diseases”. Clinical Neuropharmacology Vol. 36, No. 4 (2013): 103–106.
25.    Gawryluk, J.W., et al. “Decreased levels of glutathione, the major brain antioxidant, in post-mortem prefrontal cortex from patients with psychiatric disorders”. The International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology Vol. 14, No. 1 (2011): 123–130
26.    Gigante, A.D., et al. “Brain glutamate levels measured by magnetic resonance spectroscopy in patients with bipolar disorder: a meta-analysis”. Bipolar Disorders Vol. 14, No. 5 (2012): 478–487.
27.    Berk, M., et al. “The efficacy of N-acetylcysteine as an adjunctive treatment in bipolar depression: an open label trial”. Journal of Affective Disorders Vol. 135, No. 1–3 (2011): 389–394.
28.    http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18534556
29.    Magalhães, P.V., et al. “N-Acetylcysteine for major depressive episodes in bipolar disorder”. Revista Brasileira de Psiquiatria Vol. 33, No. 4 (2011): 374–378.
30.    Magalhães P.V., et al. “N-Acetyl cysteine add-on treatment for bipolar II disorder: a subgroup analysis of a randomized placebo-controlled trial. Journal of Affective Disorders Vol. 129, No. 1–3 (2011): 317–320.
31.    Magalhães, P.V., et al. “A preliminary investigation on the efficacy of N-acetyl cysteine for mania or hypomania”. The Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry Vol. 47, No. 6 (2013): 564–568.
32.     http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18539338/ 
33.    http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19568477/ 
34.    http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16449100/ 
35.    http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17606664/ 
36.    http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17113207/ 
37.    http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19103434
38.    http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17445781
39.    http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12207144
40.    http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19272303
41.    http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16682105
42.    http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18957313
43.    http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18006203
44.    http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00213-005-0246-6
45.    http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19468281/ 
46.    http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23826003
47.    http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22342106
48.    http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23886027
49.    http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21519954
50.    http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22225920
51.    http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22127832
52.    http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16081262
53.    http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22528835
54.    http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21484198
55.    http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22051046
56.    http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21967199
57.    http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22653211
58.    http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17502791
59.    http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22342106
60.    http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22579303
61.    http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18538422/ 
62.    http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18436195/ 
63.    http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20868637/ 
64.    http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19735056/ 
65.    http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19103434/ 
66.    http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18440072
67.    http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18996163
68.    http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18225476
69.    Carmeli, C., et al. “Glutathione precursor N-acetyl-cysteine modulates EEG synchronization in schizophrenia patients: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial”. PLoS One Vol. 7, No. 2 (2012): e29341.
70.    https://www.researchgate.net/publication/258347895_N-Acetylcysteine_as_an_Adjunct_to_Risperidone_for_Treatment_of_Negative_Symptoms_in_Patients_With_Chronic_Schizophrenia_A_Randomized_Double-Blind_Placebo-Controlled_Study
71.    http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19689277
72.    http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19576938
73.    http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19788631
74.    http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18205981

Terms and Conditions

Privacy Policy

Affiliate Disclosure

Disclaimer